Hi! I’m Saachi, a first-year Physics student at the University of Exeter. Originally from India and having spent most of my life in Singapore, moving to a completely new continent was a bit nerve-wracking. Now that I’ve wrapped up my first term, I’m excited to share what it’s been like settling into university life, adjusting to the weather (and the laundry app!), and navigating this new chapter as an international student.
Starting university really does feel like stepping into a new world, and for me, it really did not sink in until about six weeks in that this was it—this is what the next few years of my life might look like. The first few weeks were filled with excitement, nervousness, and a fair bit of confusion. I was alone for the first time; I remember the feeling of the first night in my dorm alone, with my parents gone, and I felt small, like a kid scared of the dark. I had imagined that being away from my parents would leave me feeling like a lost child, but when it actually happened, it did not feel so overwhelming, and it did not last very long. I found that decorating my dorm helped, like it turned that space into somewhere that felt like home.
The hardest part of settling in for me was definitely freshers’ week (Welcome Week). No one knew me, and I did not know anyone either. As an international student, I was conscious about my accent, how I looked, etc, and I did not want that to be a barrier, so I ended up just not talking. During this week I didn’t approach people or join societies, however I wouldn’t recommend doing this! Looking back, I really do wish I had joined societies at this point because although you can join them later, I think it would’ve been easier to get to know other members if I’d joined at the start. And honestly, one of the biggest shocks I had when I started to talk to people was the lack of prejudice or stereotyping – I did not expect everyone to be this nice! The first day of classes really helped me realise that everyone else was just as eager to make friends as I was, and honestly there was not much to be afraid of.
Some of friends I met through my friends from back home – the friends they had made became my friends. A major surprise was how many connections I made just by chance, like through my parents meeting other parents at the hotel when they came to drop me off. You would be surprised how much of a social hub a Holiday Inn can be!
Joining societies was also a key part of making friends. Being from India and having spent most of my life in Singapore, I joined both the Indian and Asian societies. That was a great way to meet people with similar backgrounds and experiences and make it feel just a bit more like home.
Although I’ve now settled in, I do still feel homesick often – pretty much every time my parents send me a picture of themselves or the food they are eating! I think it hit the hardest during Diwali: back home, my mom takes time off work to make sweets and about 10 different dishes, while my dad and I decorate the house, so, seeing it through a screen did not feel the same. However, events like the Garba night and the Diwali celebrations on campus made me feel closer to home, and my friends and our own makeshift Diwali dinner. It was not the same, but it was good.
I have also heard from other international students that the balls and social events – like karaoke nights, beach trips and bowling – are also fantastic ways to meet people. Joining academic societies can be a great way to get to know people in your field too, especially since you are already in class with them. It helps break the ice (and makes any future group projects feel less awkward).
Academically, I have had my fair share of surprises. I study physics, and I have always wanted to pursue astrophysics in the future so I really thought that would be my strong suit. But imagine my surprise when the module on astrophysics was the one I struggled with the most. While I still enjoy it, I have realised that passion alone is not enough to excel in university. I cannot just rely on what I know already or the notes I make, but instead also have to do my own research and self-study, and this was not a way of studying I am really used to. It was a humbling experience, but one that has made me more diligent in my approach to learning, which has changed a lot in the three months since uni began.
The availability of online lectures has really helped, as you can revisit any content you have missed or did not fully understand. I have also realised how important it is to keep consistent notes, and more importantly to know what kind of notes to make for each module. For my math-heavy modules, I have handwritten notes, but for programming or theory-heavy subjects, I prefer taking my notes on my computer.
A tip I will give you though – not having taken it myself – is to take advantage of the break in teaching during reading week (week 6) as much as you can. Definitely use that time to catch up on any work you are falling behind in. Even spending just an hour a day during the week can make a big difference.
During school, I mostly studied for exams, which I know a lot of people did too, but for me, it was because I had trouble focusing without a clear goal, like exams and getting good grades. At uni, marks do not hold the same weight, so I had to find a new goal; a new way to focus and study (obviously not cramming before exams). What worked for me was timing myself: studying for about an hour and then taking a 30-minute break and repeating that.
I personally cannot bring myself to journal, but I have seen it work for so many others. Me? I rely on an absolutely ridiculous number of reminders and alarms on my phone every week – one for every problem set, assignment, and self-study session I need to tackle. Pro tip: the more annoying the reminder, the more likely you are to actually do the task.
I know it sounds really stupid to say I forget to eat sometimes, but when you have got back-to-back labs, lectures, and coursework deadlines breathing down your neck, it is surprisingly easy to skip meals. I’ve found that some of the best ways around this are meal prepping or packing a very simple lunch (which could just be a sandwich with whatever is in arm’s reach). But if you do ever forget to pack yourself something, you could just get something from one of the many spots on campus (I love the cookie dough brownies from the Peter Chalk Cafe).
I have also had my share of adulting wins – I am always incredibly proud of myself every time I manage to get through laundry day without having a mini breakdown over the laundry app or the dryers.
I know I said earlier that living independently had not really hit me. I was living alone until reading week, but I think that is exactly what made it click – the fact that it had not hit me. It meant I was doing okay on my own. Life did not feel like it had drastically changed in some overwhelming way. A huge part of that was the friends I had made, the space I had created for myself here, and the realisation that I was finally doing something I had spent years dreaming about.
As for the weather, it is not the rain but the cold I was physically unprepared for, and if you are an international student, this may be something you should expect. I do not think I have seen a day above 13º since arriving here in September, AND we have had two storms in three months, so please please please pack the scarves and jackets, even the ugly ones. Oh, and there was snow!
My first term has been about adjusting, embracing the unexpected, and meeting great people. I’ve learned a lot, grown in unexpected ways, and made memories I’ll cherish. I’m excited for what’s next! If you’re considering Exeter, I’d say go for it. Starting university can be intimidating, but once you push through the initial fear, it’s worth it.